the recorder output from my mixer for gigs is far too hot for the inputs on the h2n.

it seems that these inputs are microphone only - so when a line level signal goes in, it totally distorts.

what can I put inbetween? I need it by saturday.

Are you using the 1/4" guitar plug inputs instead of the mic inputs? Ooops sorry, I'm thinking h4n not sure if they both have the dual type connector on the bottom of the unit. Otherwise a couple of whirlwind 20db inline pads except those are XLR though.

I am using the guitar plug inputs - so what exactly do I need to convert? Everything I seem to do comes out distorted and I'm sick and can hardly think today

it's a dual connector, has XLR or 1/4 inch - but the level does not seem to be compatible with line level signals.

Ah OK. So, do the input level meters show clipping even with the input level turned all the way down to minimum? Lastly, what outs are you using from the mixer and do you have any control on that end to adjust that doesn't affect the mix listeners here. I'm assuming there isn't, just checking. While awaiting those answers....

If it actually is too hot a signal and you have no other way to control it you could use an inline pad or pads (2 for stereo).

This is what I used to keep around for that snare or instrument when my preamps didn't have built in pads and turning the level all the way down wasn't down enough. They just attenuate the signal by ~n dB. However, you'd need suitable connector types. I'm sure someone else here has the latest on this, I haven't kept up with it lately. Just remember, these are only going to work if the incoming signal is clean but too loud and overloading the zoom inputs, if the distortion is coming from the mixer, these won't help.

Can you use the headphone out of your mixer, or some other output that has a level control?

As you've noted, the 1/4" inputs are "instrument" level rather than true line level.

If you can solder you can build an attenuator out of a few resistors or an adjustable one using a couple of pots. I've also used a cheap(ly made) $15 headphone volume control from Radioshack, but it will need a bunch of adapters to get from the mixer out to the H4n 1/4" in.

The lack of real input attenuation is my nomination for the biggest flaw in all the Zoom recorders I've tried, and I've used a bunch of them.

See 2nd paragraph, also the 'di boxes for guitars' section.
Output is traditionally at mic level.
Plus most have in built pads too.
Case of suck it and see really,

That section doesn't address loss of 10-20dB per se. Outside of a gross impedance mismatch, I don't see a passive DI fixing this issue. I have plenty of them and have never seen the input signal drop by that significant of an amount just because I'm passing a signal through it (maybe I wasn't paying attention ). An active DI with a built in pad surely but I still think a real pad or an inline mixer like you mentioned would be the most likely to work. I suppose if he had a passive DI lying around he could try it to see though and if it gave him just enough, problem solved but not sure I would order them without testing first.